White River Junction
“It’ll get easier the more you do it.”
“Each of us takes our own amount of time to learn.”
“There’s no quiz. There’s no timeline.”
Her words, spoken in a steady, soothing voice, seemed to reflect the overall movement of tai chi: slow movements that build strength over time. The Mayo Clinic defines tai chi as “an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.”
At the start of the class, 15 participants — some new to tai chi, others experienced and sporting “Bugbee Tai Chi 2017” T-shirts, which on the back read, “Tai Chi Go With the Flow” — spread out into a circle.
“We support each other. We learn together, we laugh,” Bower said as she began to lead warmups.
“If it’s too serious, we don’t have fun.”
Bower — certified as an authorized trainer by the South Pomfret-based nonprofit Tai Chi Vermont — has been teaching tai chi for 12 years and hosting classes at Bugbee for about eight years. She has seen firsthand how tai chi has helped senior citizens build strength and balance, among other positive health effects.
Throughout the class, Bower, along with Jeanne Bolduc, who assisted her, paused to instruct those who needed a little more clarity on the form.
“After a while (the movements) become kind of like morning coffee,” Bower said. “We don’t want the movements to be tight. We don’t want to overextend.”
At one point, the more experienced members of the group demonstrated “the monkeys,” a series of movements that regular attendees performed in unison. Beginners could work up to it, Bower said.
“When you start out, you start with simple movements,” she said. “You’re forcing yourself to learn a new discipline. That’s the challenge.”
The veterans were quick to agree. “I started out on a chair and now I’m standing upright,” said one.
Exercise can be intimidating, but the beginners did not seem fazed. Is it the slow speed? Bower’s calm voice?
Practice consistently, and the movements don’t feel awkward anymore.
“Then it becomes yours,” Bower said. “It becomes part of your body.”
Toward the end of the class, Bower invited beginners to talk with the more experienced about tai chi. Voices quickly filled the room.
“The socialization is very important,” Bower said.
“It’s not just an exercise. It’s mind as well.”
Editor’s note: For more information about tai chi classes at Bugbee Senior Center, call 802-295-9068. For more information about Bower’s teaching, visit http://www.annebower.com/. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
